Northvolt, ABB team up to build lithium battery plant in Sweden

Northvolt and ABB have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build Europe’s largest lithium-ion battery factory in Sweden to cater to the growing demand for electric cars..

Northvolt’s battery factory will be built based on close collaboration on development of battery solutions and R&D activities.

Initially, ABB Technology Ventures (ATV) will support the project through its early investment phase.

The Swedish company will also take ABB’s support in the form of its industrial automation expertise, integrating robotics, machine and factory automation, electrification and through its software, ABB Ability.

The factory is expected to start production in 2020 and could start an early demonstration line in 2019.

Northvolt CEO Peter Carlsson said: “The world is moving quickly towards electrification. We want to enable this transition by building the largest, cutting-edge lithium-ion battery factory on the European continent and producing the world’s greenest batteries."

According to Northvolt, there is a need to rely on electrification and storage for a carbon neutral society and to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

The shift from fossil fuels to electric mobility can be major factors influencing the adaption of energy storage through batteries.

Depending on battery storage is also crucial for a smooth transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources which are intermittent in character.

The two companies have agreed to technology collaboration to push forward innovation in battery technology and in areas including production platform, cell and module design and battery performance.

The collaboration will also be on the development of battery solutions for mobile and stationary applications and also for potential sourcing of batteries.

ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer said: “We are excited to support Northvolt’s project to build the battery factory of the future here in one of our home countries.

“This uniquely integrated factory would be a true showcase for ABB’s leadership in industrial automation and smart electrification and would help to meet the ever-increasing demand for smarter, greener storage solutions.”